Montreal : Is it worth it ?

[noviceny]

Got a very interesting job offer (not really an offer, but there is a job that I was conacted about from one of my profs at Fordham...kind of a sure thing, but not definite) in Montreal. Besides the obvious exchange rate bullshit, I was wondering from you guys that live in, and have visited Montreal : would it be a cool place to live/work ??

 

Secondly, I will probably go there to see what's up with the organization and to interview. Are there things that I should see while Im there (i.e. Cathedral of Notre Dame) ? Are the strip clubs really worth it...seems like there is some stuff going on in the other posts, which I glanced through...are they actually fun or is it time for me to be scammed ? The Gaiety was cool and I went to Wet in DC once, but I have not had the "real" experience of a male strip club, with the whole lap dance thing. Been to straight strip clubs and they are not really my style, but maybe thats cause chicks were not really my style and I was forcing it.

 

Thanks a lot guys...

 

BTW anybody can answer these questions, client, escort, Canadian, American, any and all freaks :-) :-)

[Paul Revere]

Nov;

 

I am not sure what it sould be like to live and work there, but otherwise Montreal is perfect. It is a great international classy city, with just about everything that anyone could want. It is more friendly and classy that most U.S. cities. The winters would be brutal, but the other four months of the year are great. (OK, maybe six months.)

 

I also have a feeling that after you see the strip clubs, you will never come back. Remember that the Gaiety would have 7 or 12 dancers each night. Between Stock, Campus, Adoanis and Taboo (if you like that kind of thing) there are about 70 or 80dancers working each night. As with NYC you have to be a smart shopper, but there is nothing in the U.S. that compares with the ability to sample with a lapdance.

 

When I re-discovered Montreal about 7 or 8 years ago, I drove up not knowing what to expect, as I hadn't been since the 1970's when the Separatists were in power, and they were very anti-American. What a difference now! They love Americans (and our American money) and tourits in general. Everyone is bi-lingual and they are charming. If its any indication, after I re-discovered Montreal that year, I went back nine more times that same year.

 

You can walk all over town, the Metro system is clean and fast and efficient. If you are accusotmed to the NYC Subways, you will be shocked. The Cathedral is amust see, and I usually stop once on each visit. The shopping is great on Ste Catherine St. or up St. Laurent or St. Denis.

 

Check out http://www.fugues.com for gay info. The printed magazine is all in French, but the website has some English translations. You will have fun on a visit for a job interview anyway.

[trilingual]

Montreal is very much worth it! It's one of the most attractive and fascinating cities in North America!

 

You need to keep in mind that Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. American tourists can get by in Montreal without French, but if you're going to live and work in Montreal you'll need to make the effort to learn to speak French, or you'll find yourself rather isolated.

 

Montreal has a beautiful setting on a huge island in the middle of the St. Lawrence river, with mountains north of the city in the Laurentians and south of it in the Adirondacks. You'll want to remember that it's often bitterly cold in winter time, and because it is farther north than most American cities, the days are very short in the winter; the sun will go down by 4:00 p.m. on the shortest days! Of course, you make up for it with the very long summer days.

 

The gay scene is very large and extremely varied, but again, to get the most out of it you'll need to learn to speak French. Montreal is also one of the world's great restaurant towns; you'll eat very well there!

 

Good luck with your trip to check out the city.

[bigguyinpasadena]

Noviceny-can I tell you how jealous I am of you right now.I would take a job in Montreal in a skinny minute-as long as the wages were enough to live a good life(and it does take less up there-so many of the things I enjoy-art,music,theatre are free or cheap)and buy a house/condo.

I take it your french is ok?You will learn the local patios quickly.

15 years ago I turned down a very good job in Toronto,how often I regret that.

The gay life is so great in Montreal-and I am not just talking about the strip clubs.

Lucky you!!!!

[CT Dick]

Do your homework. Canada is a socialist nation and they pay for lots that we don't. As a result, their taxes are MUCH higher than in the US.

 

Dick

[Luv2play]

There are three churches you might want to see, Notre Dame (modeled after Notre Dame in Paris), Mary Queen of the World, modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, and St. Joseph Oratory, a uniquely Canadian church.

 

There are four strip clubs you might want to see, Campus, Le Stock, Adonis and Taboo, all uniquely Canadian.

 

There are five neighbourhoods you might want to see; the Gay Village, the Old Port which includes a very large old town dating back to the 1700's, the Atwater Food Market and the adjacent Notre Dame St. antique stores, Westmount and the Mont Royal Park (designed by Frederick Olmstead, who did Central Park in NYC), and downtown, especially Sherbooke St which is the most elegant street in Canada.

 

Enjoy the restaurants and bars, especially the outside terraces if you come in warm weather. And just learn a few expressions to start such as "Bonjour" Good day, "Bonsoir" Good evening, "S'il vous plait" Please, "Pardon" Excuse me, and "Voulez vous couchez avec moi" (that you'll have to figure out yourself!!! ;-)

[Luv2play]

> they pay

>for lots that we don't. >

>Dick

 

LOL.Didn't you ever learn there's no free lunch! :+

[Luv2play]

Oops, forgot "Merci" that's Thank you. And it's Sherbrooke St (I had a typo).

[noviceny]

Guys,

 

Damn !!!! Thanks a lot everybody...I will print this out and take it with me...

 

Dont know if I could live there for 2 reasons which still remain to be seen, but you guys made me more aware of them :

 

1) Taxes - I didnt realize they were higher, but it makes sense. I lived in Asia for a year and the taxes were 2% !!!!! Of course, if you were retarded, old or an orphan you were shit out of luck (unless some white people adopted you and brought ya back to the USA or Europe or Canada).

 

2) French - dont know it !!!! Yes I know the basic phrases, but Spanish is my language as well as English (not in that order). I dont think I would ever be able to be fluent in French, but then again I would have never thought I would be able to learn Korean either. Nick (the Dick) was giving me a French lesson at the Gaiety and I had no fucken idea what he was talking about !!).

 

 

Last question : If I go this weekend, I would have to drive up, but if I go next weekend I would fly. What is better ? Has anyone driven the 6+ hours ? I like driving but thats a long ass drive...

 

Merci bocoup, mothafuckers :-) :-) :-)

[Samai139]

I don't know where you are driving from, but if I drive straight through from my home in Western NY state, it would also take about 6 and a half hours, and yes I have done it several times, but usually drive to Albany, stay with friends and then go up the Northway from there---a three and a half hour drive on both "legs". At this time of year it's a long drive but up the Northway, an easy drive---very little traffic, gorgeous scenery, no tolls and several great rest stops. Enjoy the View )

Living in Montreal: I would defer to those Canadians and Americans who actually live AND work there in taking advice. I go there perhaps 5-10 times a year, but always as a tourist. I do have very good friends living in Ontario Province, and even though they live in a much smaller city, they do very well. Taxes MAY be higher but as someone pointed out, there's no free ride anywhere, and the amenities that are available in Canada may outweigh an increase in taxes.

Language Barrier: If you can learn rudimentary or conversational Korean, I'm sure you could learn fundamental Quebecois French.

As far as not understanding Nick the Dick's French lesson---remember, he's a very young man, not a teacher, and may have enjoyed "playing" with you and trying to confuse you. If you have some Spanish you certainly have an advantage. If you live in a commnity where being able to speak French is nearly necessary, I suspect all you would need is the will. What have you got lose?

As far as other advantages for Montreal: it's cosmopolitan, it's diverse, it's NOT an American city but you are close enough to major American cities so you can drive, bus, or fly "home" almost any time. You have wonderful food and restaurants, but if you get "homesick" you have familiar fare as well. To me, it has all the best that North America has to offer, but lacks a lot of the baggage that the USA seems to be dragging.

If you are starting out on a career, it might just be the place for you. I didn't mention the strip clubs---there are many FAQ threads and reviews of all of them--check them out before you travel. They are NOT the same as the Gaiety. And there are lots and lots of clubs and other bars in the Gay Village. Pick up a copy of Fugues, wander up and down St. Catherine and the side streets; explore "Old Montreal" and most of all SMILE---I think you'll have a marvelous trip.

[Guest CTguy]

I drive up from CT all the time and its a very easy 5 hour drive. I have never flown so I can't really tell you how it compares. As far as living there, for a gay guy I can't think of a better place. The gay village is very friendly, has any type of bar you are looking for, from leather to discos. And the strip clubs are second to none. From a gay social standpoint I think you would love it. In your decision to take the job I don't think moving to Montreal would be a negative at all :-)

[Juan Vancouver]

All I can say is Lucky you!

 

Montreal is one of the most sophisticated and well balanced cities in the world. It has the refinement and cultural richness of europe, the accesibility and easy life of north america, with the friendliness, horniness and joy of living of latinamerican cultures. Life is easy, affordable and safe. Taxes are high, but the standard of life that those taxes provide is amazingly high. Men are sexy, terribly friendly, to the verge of being annoying, well endowed and prominently uncut. The have very few hangovers when it comes to try new stuff, and they are very very fun... Not to mention the weird fact that Montreal is the only city in which I have had the feeling that there are overwhelmingly more tops than bottoms, If that means anything to you. (Unfortunately my experience has no statistic value, even if I tried to collect as many samples as I could).

Unlike the rest of Northamerican culture, Montreal's culture focuses more on who you are, as oposed as how you look. Be yourself, and you have assured a rich life sorrounded by fascinating, fun, sexy people.

 

and of course.......

 

 

The winter.

 

Perhaps you have realized that I love Montreal. I cherish the days I can spend there, and I can tell you that I feel at home every single time that I am there... But that freaking cold kills me! if you are used to hars winters, perhaps you will find yourself in paradise.

 

I hope the best for you and your career, and hope that you make the best desition.

 

I hope that you fall in love with that beautiful city and enjoy those hot guys!

[ted]

Mr experience is also exclusively as a tourist, but it is one of the most enjoyable cities. As some others have mentioned it has a European ambiance, and people are extremely friendly and helpful. As a tourist the bilingualism is amazing, they seem to have a second sense whether they should speak to you in English or French. I particularly enjoy the restaurants, many of which seem to open a wall of windows on a summer evening to almost give an alfresco experience. And of course in summer it is light quite late. As delightful as the summers are the down side is the long dark cold winters.

I really would base my decision on the position, I would think the city would accomodate most needs.

[marc anthony]

Novice:

 

Montreal is my absolute FAVORITE place to visit, and I mean it is my FAVORITE!!!!!!

 

I go there 4-5 times per year, and love it without fail.

 

That being said, I haven't moved there.

 

To me, deciding to live in a place has more to do with what kind of network of friends you can build and whether you have security and support. The strip clubs and the ambience, you can appreciate with multiple visits.

 

So when you visit the city, I advise you enjoy it to the MAX, but use criteria other than it's a great time to decide if you want to move there.

 

Just my humble opinion.

[Guest zipperzone]

>Do your homework. Canada is a socialist nation and they pay

>for lots that we don't. As a result, their taxes are MUCH

>higher than in the US.

 

But you GET a lot more so what's the rub?

 

And the big bonus - and it's free - NO MORE BUSH.

[noviceny]

Well guys, ya pushed me over the edge...I will definitely be going either this week or the next. I will drive and get to stay at a moderately priced hotel that they will pay for.

 

Much of what you all say is true and I am not one to jump in to positions without having a strong base from which to judge the pros and cons. I did the expat thing about 8 years ago, and it was cool, but Im not just starting out in this career and need to think about where this position will take me. I dont need any more resume building jobs.

 

Oh, and as for the guys and the clubs, well suffice it to say I went through everything I could find here about Montreal and have begun creating a map of the places I want to see.

 

Thanks a lot and my hotel will have free DSL so Ill keep you up to date on my trip. I think trilingual did that in SA and it was very cool, or maybe it was HooBoy...damn I cant remember shit !!!

[Guest zipperzone]

I lived in Montreal for 2 years before moving to Vancouver. Leaving that city was the hardest thing I ever had to do. On my final weekend there, my household goods were packed and on a truck heading west. My car was on a train heading west. As I drove a rental car around town on Sunday for one last look - with my plane ticket in my briefcase and the knowledge that I had to report to a new job in Vancouver the following morning, I simply could not bring myself to head to the airport. As I say - it was the hardest thing I ever did.

 

Regarding the winters - they are no big deal. Sure it's cold, but it's crisp and clear and invigorating. And I think the atmospehere in the winter months is great. It's dark by 4 p.m. and it's a great time to relax with a glass of wine by your fireplace as the snow quietly blankets the roads as you anticipate the great time that awaits you later in the evening in the many wonderful restaurants and clubs.

 

Go for it - you will never regret it.

[noviceny]

Im used to the winters having grown up in NY and lived in Detroit for a few years...Im cool with the cold :-)

[steve roberts]

As my family is originally from Montreal (and I still have many aunts/uncles, cousins, and friends up there) I have been going back and forth my entire life and can tell you first hand that Montreal is definitely a first-class, world class city. There is an amazing multi-cultural aspect to the city, the Quebecois nonsense is tolerable, the people for the most part of incredibly friendly. The food, shopping, entertainment and daily living is on par with any place anywhere.

 

The physical beauty of the city itself and its setting is gorgeous (make sure you go all the way up to the top of Mount Royal and take in the breathtaking view of the city at night! Sporting activities are abundant (soccer, skiing, skaing, gyms, swimming, rugby, lacrosse, etc) and some of the best winter activities (other than the obvious indoor-type stuff- LOL) is a close drive - to either the Laurentiens or down to Vermont.

 

It's a short one-hour flight from either JFK or LaGuardia, about a 7 hour drive from NYC or Long Island (4 hours direct on the Northway from Albany), and if you do get to drive up the views from the most part of the Northway thru the Adirondacks is amazing, especially in early Fall.

 

True, some of the socialist benefits outweigh the long cold damp winters but the other seasons are beautiful. The housing is abundant and relatively inexpesive compared to any major US city. As an American living up there your US dollar will go very far, and the quality of construction, furnishings, clothing and food far exceeds most US standards.

 

If it weren't for the winters and having my immediate family living down here in NY I'd be up there in minute. Since I'm totally bi-lingual normally French-speaking countries don't pose a problem for me but be aware that the Quebecois isn't traditional French and does take some getting used to, but that comes relatively quickly.

 

Hope this helps. Let us all know how you make out, your impressions of the city and it's day & nightlife.

 

Bonne Chance!

[steve roberts]

As my family is originally from Montreal (and I still have many aunts/uncles, cousins, and friends up there) I have been going back and forth my entire life and can tell you first hand that Montreal is definitely a first-class, world class city. There is an amazing multi-cultural aspect to the city, the Quebecois nonsense is tolerable, the people for the most part of incredibly friendly. The food, shopping, entertainment and daily living is on par with any place anywhere.

 

The physical beauty of the city itself and its setting is gorgeous (make sure you go all the way up to the top of Mount Royal and take in the breathtaking view of the city at night! Sporting activities are abundant (soccer, skiing, skaing, gyms, swimming, rugby, lacrosse, etc) and some of the best winter activities (other than the obvious indoor-type stuff- LOL) is a close drive - to either the Laurentiens or down to Vermont.

 

It's a short one-hour flight from either JFK or LaGuardia, about a 7 hour drive from NYC or Long Island (4 hours direct on the Northway from Albany), and if you do get to drive up the views from the most part of the Northway thru the Adirondacks is amazing, especially in early Fall.

 

True, some of the socialist benefits outweigh the long cold damp winters but the other seasons are beautiful. The housing is abundant and relatively inexpesive compared to any major US city. As an American living up there your US dollar will go very far, and the quality of construction, furnishings, clothing and food far exceeds most US standards.

 

If it weren't for the winters and having my immediate family living down here in NY I'd be up there in minute. Since I'm totally bi-lingual normally French-speaking countries don't pose a problem for me but be aware that the Quebecois isn't traditional French and does take some getting used to, but that comes relatively quickly.

 

Hope this helps. Let us all know how you make out, your impressions of the city and it's day & nightlife.

 

Bonne Chance!

[MTLover]

Montreal is simply the finest tourist destination, IMO. My fear of locating there (besides the COLD) would have more to do with the place losing its 'magic' (appeal) as a vacation spot (sort of like loving Disney World therefore moving to Orlando.) I enjoy the Florida winters but LOVE the multiple short stays I enjoy in Montreal throughout the year. (And how on earth would I finance weekly trips to Campus, Stock & Adonis without the ensuing bankruptcy?)

[MTLover]

Montreal is simply the finest tourist destination, IMO. My fear of locating there (besides the COLD) would have more to do with the place losing its 'magic' (appeal) as a vacation spot (sort of like loving Disney World therefore moving to Orlando.) I enjoy the Florida winters but LOVE the multiple short stays I enjoy in Montreal throughout the year. (And how on earth would I finance weekly trips to Campus, Stock & Adonis without the ensuing bankruptcy?)

[Guest Adono]

>Do your homework. Canada is a socialist nation and they pay

>for lots that we don't. As a result, their taxes are MUCH

>higher than in the US.

>

On the other hand, I think U.S. expats are still exempt from U.S. tax on the first $90k or so, aren't they?

[Juan Vancouver]

You live in Vancouver???

[trilingual]

If you can only take a weekend, I'd suggest you fly, because the drive each way will take up most of your time. If you have some more time available, and the weather is good, the drive is beautiful, especially if you head north from NY on the Taconic State Parkway (east of the Hudson), then cross over to the Northway near Albany. Extremely scenic. Of course, you won't need the car much in Montreal, at least not if you're going to be staying and doing things downtown. If you have to head out to the suburbs, the car will be useful.

 

From NY there is also bus and train service, that follow pretty much the same route, and you don't have to worry about parking and stuff once you're in Montreal.

 

If your native language is Spanish you should be able to learn French quickly, because both are Romance languages with very similar grammatical structures and vocabularies. The pronunciation is very different, of course, and there's a strong difference between the Quebecois accent and the Parisian one, but with a bit of effort you'll find yourself speaking French surprisingly fast. Intensive French language courses are available in Montreal, just check with the colleges and universities in town.

 

Canadian taxes ARE high, compared to American ones, but as others have pointed out, you also get more for them than you do in the U.S. In addition, you don't need to pay for health insurance, which is expensive in the U.S. If you look at it that way, you'll see that you probably end up paying roughly the same in Canada as you do in the U.S. when you add in the health insurance. In addition, in Canada your health insurance isn't tied to your employment, the way it is in the U.S., so you don't have to lose sleep about what would happen if you lost your job, or change employers. You're always covered! There's also the intangible but priceless advantage of living in a nation that recognizes you, as a gay person, as an individual with guaranteed rights, including the ability to marry the person you love if you're fortunate enough to find Mr. Right, and have your marriage recognized across the country. That alone is enough to make Canada an extremely attractive option!!!